Hypersomnia:5 Tips to Cope With The Challenges

Introduction

Hypersomnia is a condition characterized by a need for daytime sleep, where individuals frequently experience prolonged episodes of sleepiness [1]. People dealing with hypersomnia face challenges in staying awake during the day, often feeling lacking energy. This condition can have an impact on functioning, including cognitive abilities and overall quality of life.

Hypersomnia is a condition characterized by a need, for daytime sleep, where individuals frequently experience prolonged episodes of sleepiness [1]. People dealing with hypersomnia face challenges in staying awake during the day often feeling lacking energy. This condition can have an impact on functioning, including cognitive abilities and overall quality of life.

What is Hypersomnia?

Hypersomnia refers to a disorder in which individuals consistently feel tired or sleepy throughout the day making it difficult for them to stay awake. Regardless of how sleep they had the night people with hypersomnia often struggle to remain alert during daytime hours. This condition can disrupt aspects of life such as work, school and personal relationships [1][2].

Those affected by hypersomnia may find it challenging to wake up in the morning. May frequently take naps or experience extended periods of sleep during the day that can last for hours. Despite having rest they frequently experience fatigue and dizziness which can lead to difficulties in cognitive function, memory issues and problems with concentration [6].

Individuals, with hypersomnia face difficulties waking up in the morning and staying awake throughout the day regardless of their previous nights sleep quality.

Even if individuals, with hypersomnia had sleep the night they still experience fatigue and drowsiness during the day. This excessive sleepiness and daytime tiredness caused by hypersomnia can lead to memory issues, difficulty concentrating on tasks and impaired cognitive functions. Hypersomnia can be a result of underlying conditions like sleep apnea, narcolepsy or certain neurological disorders. Sometimes it may occur without a cause, which is referred to as idiopathic.

What are the Symptoms of Hypersomnia?

The symptoms commonly associated with hypersomnia include sleepiness and trouble staying awake. People with hypersomnia may encounter:

1. Sleepiness: Despite having slept for periods of the night, individuals with hypersomnia still feel sleepy and tired during the day.
2. Prolonged Sleep: An indication of hypersomnia is consistently sleeping for more than 10 hours per day.
3. Difficulty Waking Up: Those affected by hypersomnia find it challenging to wake up in the morning despite having slept for hours at night.
4. Frequent Napping: Individuals suffering from hypersomnia frequently take naps throughout the day. This impacts their routine. This makes it difficult for them to maintain employment or complete assignments on time.
5. Feeling refreshed can be a challenge for individuals with hypersomnia after getting plenty of sleep.
6. Cognitive functions are affected by hypersomnia as it causes hours of sleep and constant feelings of sleepiness and fatigue throughout the day. This impact on concentration, memory and overall cognitive function is noticeable.
7. During waking hours, individuals with hypersomnia often experience fogginess, sluggishness, or feeling disoriented.
8. Low energy levels are a struggle for those with hypersomnia. They often face fatigue and lack of energy throughout the day.

These symptoms significantly affect life, relationships and overall quality of life for individuals dealing with hypersomnia.

 

1. Excessive Sleepiness: Individuals suffering from hypersomnia will feel sleepy and tired during the day even if they slept well for prolonged hours the night before.
2. Prolonged Sleep: Prolonged hours of sleep, often exceeding 10 hours a day, is also a symptom of hypersomnia.
3. Difficulty Waking Up:  Individuals suffering from hypersomnia find it difficult to wake up in the morning despite sleeping for long hours at night.
4. Frequent Napping: Individuals who are suffering from hypersomnia take frequent and long naps throughout the day, and it affects their daily routine and makes it difficult for them to continue a job or finish their assignments on time.
5. Refreshment: Despite sleeping long, individuals with hypersomnia may not feel refreshed upon waking.
6. Cognitive Impairment: Individuals suffering from hypersomnia struggle with cognitive functions, as sleeping for long hours and feeling sleepy and tired the whole day impacts their concentration, memory, and overall cognitive function.
7. Impaired Alertness: Feeling mentally foggy, sluggish, or disoriented during waking hours.
8. Low Energy Levels:  Individuals suffering from hypersomnia deal with low energy levels, persistent fatigue, and a lack of energy throughout the day.

The symptoms of hypersomnia significantly impact daily life, relationships, and overall quality of life for individuals.

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What Causes Hypersomnia?

The causes of hypersomnia can vary and are not fully understood:

1. Idiopathic Hypersomnia: In some cases, the cause of hypersomnia is unknown. It is referred to as hypersomnia.
2. Sleep Disorders: Hypersomnia can be caused by underlying sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy or restless legs syndrome.
3. Medical Conditions: Excessive sleepiness can be associated with conditions like obesity, depression, multiple sclerosis and hypothyroidism.
4. Medications: The use of medications, like sedatives, tranquilizers, or antihistamines, may lead to drowsiness. Contribute to the development of hypersomnia.
5. Genetics: Hypersomnia can sometimes have a component as it is known to run in families.
6. Brain Injury or Tumor: Excessive sleepiness can be caused by brain injury, brain tumors, or lesions in the brain. These factors can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle and patterns.

To accurately diagnose hypersomnia, it is crucial to understand its cause.

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What are The Treatment Options for Hypersomnia?

The treatment of hypersomnia focuses on managing symptoms and improving wakefulness during the day. Some common treatment options include:

1. Medications: Doctors may prescribe medications to promote wakefulness and reduce sleepiness. It’s important to consult a doctor before considering medication for treating hypersomnia.
2. Behavioral Changes: Adopting sleep hygiene practices such as maintaining a sleep schedule, avoiding stimulating substances close to bedtime, and creating a conducive sleep environment.
3. Napping Strategies: Implementing strategic and scheduled napping techniques to combat sleepiness and regulate sleep patterns.
4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Therapy sessions can help address factors contributing to hypersomnia, manage stress levels, and develop coping mechanisms.
5. Treating underlying condition: Sometimes excessive sleepiness can be caused by underlying conditions such, as sleep apnea or depression. It is important to address the root cause of the issue for treatment.

Regular follow-up appointments and adjustments to the treatment plan may be necessary in order to manage hypersomnia symptoms optimally.

Read more about- 5 sleep hygiene tips to improve sleep

Conclusion

Hypersomnia is a disorder characterized by experiencing daytime sleepiness and difficulty staying awake [1]. Though the exact cause of hypersomnia is often unknown, it can be associated with factors including conditions, sleep disorders, medications, genetics, or brain injuries [6]. Treatment options focus on managing symptoms and improving wakefulness through methods such as medication, behavioral changes, strategic napping techniques, behavioral therapy and addressing any conditions [4].

United We Care offers a platform with a network of professionals such as sleep specialists, psychologists and therapists who can provide personalized guidance and support to individuals seeking help, for hypersomnia or related sleep disorders.

References

[1]“Hypersomnia,” Cleveland Clinic. [Online]. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21591-hypersomnia. [Accessed: 10-Jul-2023].

[2]“Hypersomnia,” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. [Online]. Available: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/hypersomnia. [Accessed: 10-Jul-2023].

[3]H. Stubblefield, “Hypersomnia,” Healthline, 08-Jan-2014. [Online]. Available: https://www.healthline.com/health/hypersomnia. [Accessed: 10-Jul-2023].

[4]“Idiopathic hypersomnia,” Mayo Clinic, 07-Oct-2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypersomnia/symptoms-causes/syc-20362332. [Accessed: 10-Jul-2023].

[5]R. Newsom, “Hypersomnia,” Sleep Foundation, 18-Nov-2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/hypersomnia. [Accessed: 10-Jul-2023].

[6]“Sleep and hypersomnia,” WebMD. [Online]. Available: https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/hypersomnia. [Accessed: 10-Jul-2023].